For those who had trouble conjuring up much interest in last April's summer film preview, we bring you something altogether different, a preview of the motion pictures hitting theaters this fall.

Some of these upcoming cinematic offerings are super-serious and given to darkness, of the inky, pitch-black variety. Others manage to find humor in tragedy, redemption in turmoil. But nowhere will you find a superhero ... at least not one who's still actively employed.

Here are a dozen film highlights from the next 12 weeks, followed by a dozen more, well, lesser lights. Most will find their way to a theater near you. Others may require a bit more patience to track down. And be aware that, even at this late date, release dates are subject to change.

"The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby" (Sept. 12) — Tearjerkers are all the rage this year ("The Fault in Our Stars," "If I Stay"). This one, starring Jessica Chastain and James McAvoy, looks at a family tragedy from two perspectives, to be followed later in the year by two full movies expanding on that concept.

"The Skeleton Twins" (Sept. 12) — Still more sadness, although this drama at least has equal parts comedy. "SNL" alums Kristen Wiig and Bill Hader (chemistry alert!) star as siblings dealing with the kinds of issues that typically crop up in adulthood. It is notable for an undeniably killer dance scene.

"This is Where I Leave You" (Sept. 12) — And, more family angst, although the ensemble cast here really stands out. On board are Jason Bateman, Tina Fey, Rose Byrne, Adam Driver and Jane Fonda, who looks fantastic for, gosh, can she really be 76 years old?

"Gone Girl" (Oct. 3) — Did Nick Dunne (Ben Affleck) kill his wife (Rosamund Pike)? Well, the simplest answer is always the correct one. Right? David Fincher directs, and murder mysteries are in his wheelhouse. Be aware, the film differs a bit from the popular book on which it's based.

"The Judge" (Oct. 10) — Robert Downey Jr. reminds us he's about more than Ironman. Here, he plays the son to Robert Duvall's father. They don't get along, but dad has been accused of murder, and the son happens to be a defense attorney.

"Whiplash" (Oct. 10) — "There are no two words in the English language more harmful than 'good job.'" This Sundance winner, starring Miles Teller and a fearsome JK Simmons, tells the story of a young jazz drummer and his abusive instructor ... and "abusive" is probably understating it.

"Birdman, or The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance" (Oct. 17) — The under-seen Michael Keaton stars in what looks to be among the stranger of this season's offerings. He plays a has-been actor, known only for playing a superhero, attempting a comeback on the stage. Terrific cast, and a solid director, too.

"Fury" (Oct. 17) — Brad Pitt anchors this look at the final days of World War II in Europe as seen from a tank unit's perspective. War, of course, is hell, but rarely if ever has its violence been depicted with such intensity. Pitt's mate, Angelina Jolie, has her own WWII movie coming out this year.

"Nightcrawler" (Oct. 31) — In this portrayal of an ambulance-chasing journalist who takes covering the crime beat way too seriously, Jake Gyllenhaal looks like he needs to get out in the sunshine a little more often. Also starring are Rene Russo and Bill Paxton (remember them?).

"Interstellar" (Nov. 7) — "Gravity," in which Alfonso Cuaron put Sandra Bullock and George Clooney in space, was among the best movies of 2013. "Interstellar," starring Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathaway and directed by Christopher Nolan ("The Dark Knight"), looks even more compelling.

"Foxcatcher" (Nov. 14) — The season's second abusive-coach drama stars Steve Carell, in a role wholly unlike anything he's ever done, taking a wrestler (Channing Tatum) under his wing ... with tragic results. Based on an unfortunately true story.

"The Hunger Games: Mockingjay — Part 1" (Nov. 21) — You've already seen what this young-adult film franchise, featuring Jennifer Lawrence, brings to the table, and you will see still more of it in the future. To be sure, this will be the box-office champ of the fall season.

But wait, there's more

It's been a meager year for animated titles, but "The Boxtrolls" (Sept. 26), about a bunch of boxes that raise a boy, will attempt to change that. … "Big Hero 6," a more conventional animated flick, with robots and such, comes out Nov. 7. … Denzel Washington, working with his "Training Day" director Antoine Fuqua, plays another tough guy in "The Equalizer" (Sept. 26).

A couple biopics come our way this fall: Andre Benjamin takes on Jimi Hendrix in "Jimi: All Is By My Side" (Sept. 26), while "The Theory of Everything" (Nov. 7), starring Eddie Redmayne, revisits the early years of physicist of Stephen Hawking. … Like westerns? Tommy Lee Jones and Hilary Swank ride horses in "The Homesman" (Nov. 7).

Robin Williams had lots of projects in the pipeline when he left us, including the indie comedy "A Merry Friggin' Christmas" (Nov. 7). … Comedienne Melissa McCarthy will attempt to play against type in "St. Vincent" (Oct. 24), while Kristen Stewart tries to make us forget her "Twilight" films with the Guantanamo Bay drama "Camp X-Ray" (Oct. 17). … "Rosewater" (Nov. 7), an Iranian hostage drama, marks the writing/directing debut of Jon Stewart.

Kevin Costner returns to the world of sports yet again as a track coach in "McFarland" (Nov. 21). … And 20 years after the first film, someone thought the world needed a "Dumb and Dumber To" (Nov. 14).